Businesses are being reminded by Neath Port Talbot Council that if they put cigarette bins outside their premises then they are responsible for keeping them clean.
Under existing environmental rules, traders are responsible for cleaning waste generated from their business for 100 metres beyond their boundaries.
But despite this, the Council’s call centre is being continually asked for someone to come and empty the cigarette bins.
At a meeting yesterday, (Thursday) councillors were told that this was putting a strain on the council’s resources.
“There is a need to make it clear to businesses that they remain responsible for emptying and maintaining the bins,” says Council Leader, Ali Thomas.
“But if cleansing operations are being carried out by council staff in and around the area, then emptying them if need be would not be a problem.
“The neighbourhood teams are doing a great job in town centres and communities but to keep standards high, it is important they are not taken away from their planned work to deal with waste which is the responsibility of the businesses themselves.”
